August 2011

We've been home for two weeks, and I'm happy to report that we're settling in well to life as a family of four. Many times throughout the day we have to pinch ourselves - it is still hard to believe that after so many years of waiting and wondering, she is here, and she is ours!

I won't lie . . . jet lag is hard, and there were times in those first days that I was just about walking in my sleep. It helped that Joe had been home for a week and was, though busy, more adjusted to the time change. It also helped that Anna Kate is, overall, a great sleeper! It took her only one week to completely make the change to her new time zone. Big sis took a bit longer!

Sticking with the topic of sleep . . . she still thinks that I'm the best pillow and mattress around, but we're slowing working on that. She now spends at least part of the night in her crib, though it is parked right next to my side of the bed . . . and by morning she's right back where she started!

Our first week was made special by visits from all our family. I wish I had more photos from our fun times! We missed everyone so much while we were gone, and looked forward to moments like these, spent with our siblings, parents and nieces and nephews. Of course good times also mean good food! Mmmmm, I'm really enjoying being home and eating my favorite foods again.

Speaking of food, Anna Kate is making great strides in that department and enjoys most of the foods we've offered her.  We had a long appointment with a wonderful doctor in Pittsburgh who specializes in treating internationally adopted children. (Time with her is invaluable, and if you live in this region and adopt, I highly recommend an appointment with Dr. Springer.) Overall, she was very pleased with Anna Kate's health and development, especially her emotional development. Dr. Springer confirmed that Anna Kate is underweight and has mild delays, but is confident of her ability to catch up quickly. We're not to make weight gain an "issue", but rather provide her with plenty of healthy meals and snacks, allowing her to eat when she's hungry and stop when she's full. I think we can handle that! So far her favorites are fresh sweet potatoes, baby yogurt, and pears with baby oatmeal.

So far, life as a 41 year old with a baby is pretty darn good . . . as long as I don't have to accomplish much! The laundry is piling up, and the piles around the house are piling up, and the kitchen is rarely neat and tidy. But that is all o.k. The great thing about being a veteran, so to speak, is that I know now to appreciate every day and not wish anything away, because children grow up in the blink of an eye. I'll have plenty of time for neat and tidy later.  : )

Joe and I spend a lot of time marveling at how this adoption journey has unfolded. Only those who've waited or are still waiting, as we did, fully understand the experience. There really are no words to describe what it feels like to be "paper pregnant", as we say in the adoption world, for five years. So when I hold Anna Kate . . . when I look down at her sleeping in my arms at the end of the day . . .  I am just filled with such gratitude to God for what feels like a miracle.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11